Senator Kennedy Stunned He’s Campaigning for Republicans in ‘Close’ Red State Races: ‘These Oughta Be Fat Guy Layups’

Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) lamented that he will be campaigning for Republican Senate candidates in “close” races in solidly red states.

The GOP controls the upper chamber 53-47, but that majority is in jeopardy as President Donald Trump and Republicans are increasingly unpopular. Polls consistently show Trump’s net approval rating upside-down, and Republicans trail Democrats on the generic congressional ballot by eight points. Democrats will need to net four seats to retake the Senate, which, according to Cook Political Report, is a distinct possibility.

On Thursday, reporters caught up with Kennedy outside the Capitol, where he told them he never thought he would be fundraising and campaigning for Republican Senate candidates in red states.

“We’ve got to talk about the economy. We’ve got to talk about the cost of living,” Kennedy said. “This weekend, I’m going to Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa to help raise money and campaign for our very good candidates. If you told me six months ago I was going to be having to spend my time in those three states, I wouldn’t have believed you. Those oughta be fat guy layups for us. Now we’re gonna win there. But the races are close.”

Cook Political Report rates the races in Kansas and Nebraska as “likely” Republican holds and Iowa as a “toss-up.” Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) is aiming to fend off a challenge from Democratic pastor Adam Hamilton, while Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) will face independent challenger Dan Osborn.

A Democrat has not represented Kansas in the U.S. Senate since the 1930s.

A Fox News poll released on Wednesday had more bad news for Trump and Republicans, as 62% of people say higher grocery prices are a “major problem” for their families.

Watch above via CNN.

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